Hockey: Double dream remains

HOUNSLOW, having gone three points clear in the PizzaExpress National League First Division on Saturday through a comfortable but scrappy 4-0 victory over East Grinstead, yesterday kept on course for the first league and cup double by beating Harleston Magpies 6-1 in their fifth round Royal Bank of Scotland Hockey Association Cup game.

After Jon Rees had given the Middlesex side the lead in the fourth minute, the acting captain, Dave Hacker, cashed in with a couple before Rob Thompson, Steve Hankins and Guy Fordham added to the score.

Two Second Division clubs accounted for First Division opponents. Guildford, leading 2-0 at half-time, allowed Stourport, who beat second-placed Southgate 2-1 on Saturday in the league, to draw level but won the penalty-stroke barrage 5-3.

Beeston, newcomers to the Second Division this season, beat Slough 1-0 with a skilful individual goal from Chris Roberts three minutes from time. They prevailed despite incurring two temporary suspensions and losing their leading goalscorer, Gary Noseley, with an injury.

With Sheffield losing 3-0 at East Grinstead, Hampstead and Westminster - 3-0 winners at home to Northampton Saints - are the only non-National League side to go into today's quarter-final draw.

In the battle of the two leading Second Division clubs, Reading won 6-2 against Indian Gymkhana after Bugsy Soor had given the visitors a 2-0 lead, mainly thanks to four goals from their captain, Paddy Osborn. Cannock, who won 3-1 at Canterbury, and Teddington, 1-0 winners against Isca at Exeter, complete the quarter-final line-up.